Apple Tree Reneta Szampańska - Malus domestica

The Apple Tree 'Reneta Szampańska' is an old variety whose origins appear to date back to France, where it was found in Champagne before 1700. It is known here by the names 'Reinette de Versailles' and 'Reinette blanche de Champagne'. It became widely spread in Crimea last century under the name 'Paper Rennet' and has been traditionally cultivated in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. It is a keeping apple, whose flavour qualities improve with a resting period after harvest, ideal for consumption from December onwards.

This vigorous and high-yielding apple tree does not thrive in damp locations. Its medium-sized apples have a greenish-yellow skin, sometimes streaked with a little red. The flesh is white, crisp, juicy, and pleasantly fragrant. The fruit is very sweet, slightly tangy, and of excellent flavour quality. It is a refreshing apple to enjoy fresh, but also of great quality when cooked in compotes, pastries, or as an accompaniment to savoury dishes. This apple tree is also a good pollinator.

The Malus domestica 'Reneta Szampańska' is also known by the names Navet d'hiver, Loskrieger, Champagner-Reinette, and Glass Reinette. It is an upright tree that can reach, at maturity, approximately 4 to 5 m in height with a spread of 3 to 4 m. The crown is rather rounded. Its foliage consists of large, ovate leaves, brownish-green on top and greenish-white underneath, deeply dentate. The mid-to-late flowering occurs during the first half of May, which generally protects it from frost. The apple tree is thus suited to cultivation in all regions. The flowers are damaged by frost at temperatures below -2 to -3°C. It is said to be self-sterile, which is why the presence of apple trees that flower at the same time is necessary. The varieties Cox Orange, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Reine des Reinettes, Reinette du Mans, Reinette Etoilée, Royal Gala, or any other semi-late flowering variety are suitable. Ornamental apple trees flower abundantly and can be excellent pollinators.

The Reneta Szampańska apple tree is usually undemanding, but during humid summers and in the absence of air circulation, it may sometimes be affected by fungal diseases. The tree regenerates well and does not require chemical sprays.

The Apple Tree Reneta Szampańska is a vigorous variety, with a fairly long fruiting period, highly productive, and biennially bearing little, meaning it produces abundantly every year. The fruit ripens between mid-October and November. The apple can be enjoyed both raw and cooked—in compotes, pastries, paired with cheeses, or as an accompaniment to savoury dishes such as black pudding, pork, or salads. It is also perfect for making juice.

The fruits can be stored for a long time in winter, until February. Storage can be done in a cool, dry place, away from light at a temperature of around 8 to 10°C or in a cold room, airtight to external air at a temperature of 1 to 3°C. The apple releases ethene, a gas that promotes fruit ripening. To speed up the ripening of your other fruits or vegetables, place your apples nearby.

Very popular thanks to its fruits, the apple tree finds its rightful place in the garden for the enjoyment of young and old alike. Among a wide range of apple trees, it is easy to find the variety that best suits your preferences.